RSA Division 3
2012 Champion - Balbriggan 1
2011-12 Top run scorer: B Archer (Balbriggan) 897 runs at 47.21
2011-12 Top wicket taker: D Harper (Balbriggan) 45 wkts at 14.16
For all the oohs and aahs that surrounded some divisions in 2012, Division 3 was the one league that kept followers not so much on the edge of their seats, as in a perpetual mid air state somewhere beteen falling off the seat, and hitting the ground. Balbriggan spent most of the final day in a desperate battle to avoid relegation, before emerging as Division 3 champions. It was that sort of season.
In many ways, not much has changed. Balbriggan 1, Merrion 2 and Civil Service 1 have been replaced by Laois 1, Malahide 2 and Cork County 1. and the eventual performance of these three teams will be crucial in the outcome of the division.
Whisper it quietly, but Laois may well go all the way. Louis Hofmeyr returns from a season in Pembroke, and further strengthens a squad that has performed with some distinction over the last couple of years. There will be a few matches where they blow away the opposition, but the crucial games will be the low scoring nail-biters. If they could win a few of those, they could be Division 2 bound.
Cork County 1 remain a bit of an unknown quantity. Andrew Wooton will bring a shrewd approach to captaincy to the team, as well his "medium" paced wobblers. Cork will be desperate to prove they are better than last year's relegation demonstrated. The distance may count in their favour. Will Division 3 teams be as able to get strong teams to travel to Cork as Division 2 teams last year? A chance of a return to Division 2.
Malahide 2 will be the 8th ranked team in the division, and will be competing directly with the five other second teams (assuming our prediction of Laois and Cork County doing well holds up). Ryan Gallagher, listed as a below the line 1sts player in today's starrings will be a crucial performer, and will win matches on his own. A full season from Gallagher, and Malahide will be top half material - otherwise they may struggle.
That leaves five other second teams, and as 2012 showed, there is nothing between them. North County and The Hills can be paired together in a cliched geographical pairing. Both do share more than geography though. Both second teams have played Division 2 in the last few years, both lack "superstars" but are just talented locally produced cricketers who know their game inside out.
Clontarf 2 only escaped relegation after the demise of Old Belvedere, but look better this year, if only due to a certain Dom Rigby being in the 2nd's ranks in the April starrings. Having an ex-Scotland International on the team always helps, but it is not just him. With a strong looking 1st team, there are always going to be a few players good players playing in the 2nds. Possibly promotion?
YMCA 2 have a first team squad to die for, with some of the top players in the country. Their second team is the same, although, with some of the top players in the country - in 1992. That's a little harsh, but with Alan Lewis Captaining and his trusty lieutenant Angus Dunlop, they have a decent back bone. With a few reliables such as Warwick Armstong, Carl Hosford and David Streek they won't lack a bit of experience. With a few younger players thrown in, they could (and should) be competing.
Finally to Pembroke 2. In Danny Barclay they have one of the top Division 3 performers of the past few years. Throw in the returning Ryan Hopkins, and some exciting youth, such as Jack Balbirnie and Kim Garth and they look an exciting prospect.
There are things to like about all the sides, but just maybe Cork County 1 and Laois 1 will have the edge. It really will be another roller coaster, and with plenty of international talent on display, Division 3 will provide some top cricket all summer long